Polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase

Suzuki S, Sakamoto S, Koide M, et al. Effective anticoagulation by argatroban during immunoadsorption therapy for malignant rheumatoid arthritis with a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase level. Thromb Res 1995 80 93-98. 

D. S. Fletcher, D. G. Osinga, K. M. Hand, P. S. Dellea, B. M. Ashe, R. A. Mumford, P. Davies, W. Hagmann, P. E. Finke, J. B. Doherty, and R. J. Bonney. A comparison of alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-chloro-methylketone and specific beta-lactam inhibitors in an acute model of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase-induced lung hemorrhage in the hamster. Am. Rev. Respir. Dis. 141 612 (1990). 

Barnett CC, Moore EE, Moore FA, Biffl WL, Partrick DA Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 provokes polymorphonuclear leukocyte elastase release by CD18. Surgery 1996 120 395 04. 

Modulates polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration across the vascular endothelium by reducing levels of cell surface-bound elastase [180]... 

Human leukocyte elastase (HLE EC 3.4.21.37 also known as human neutrophil elastase, HNE) [1] is a strongly basic glycoprotein which is produced by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and is released from their azurophilic granules [2]. HLE exists as at least four distinct isozymes, which range in molecular weight from 24 [3] to 30 kDa [4] and appear to differ only in carbohydrate content [5]. Furthermore, human sputum elastase (HSE), which is isolated from purulent sputum as at least five distinct isozymes [6], is both immunologically and catalytically indistinguishable from HLE [7] and is believed to be identical to it. 

Mechanisms involving inflammatory cells or their products could also account for the dysfunction of surfactant in acute lung injury. Inhaled particles, such as asbestos and silica, stimulate macrophages to release reactive oxygen metabolites (216,217). Activated neutrophils also release proteolytic enzymes, such as elastase and lysozyme (218,219). Activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes impair surfactant function through a process that involves proteolysis of surfactant proteins (148,220). SP-A also has antioxidant properties of its own (220,221). 

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